Author to whom all correspondence should be addressed. e-mail: van@santafe.edu

ABSTRACT

The aggregation of individuals into colonies raises important questions about scaling of structure and function. We model the metabolic benefits and costs of two-dimensional, fractal-like foraging trails, such as those used by ant colonies. Total area foraged by the colony and, consequently, resource flow to the nest and rate of colony metabolism, increase non-linearly with number of foragers (F) as F2/3. Since the cost of foraging increases linearly with F, the model predicts an optimal number of foragers and, therefore, total foraging area that maximize colony fitness or energy allocation to reproduction. The scaling of foraging may influence evolution of coloniality.

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